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Delphi ActiveX Requires Chilkat v11.7.0+

Extract Text from a PDF that Forbids Copying

See more PDF Text Extraction Examples

Demonstrates a PDF that opens without a password but whose permissions do not allow copying text. The "text", "markdown", "search" and "tables" operations fail with that reason; "assess" always works. Loading the PDF with the OwnerPassword property set grants owner rights, and extraction works.

Chilkat Delphi ActiveX Downloads

Delphi ActiveX
var
success: Integer;
pdf: TChilkatPdf;
json: TChilkatJsonObject;
jsonOut: TChilkatJsonObject;

begin
success := 0;

//  This example requires the Chilkat API to have been previously unlocked.
//  See Global Unlock Sample for sample code.

//  The PDF used in this example (owner password: owner-secret; copying not permitted) is available at no_copy_permission.pdf

pdf := TChilkatPdf.Create(Self);
json := TChilkatJsonObject.Create(Self);
jsonOut := TChilkatJsonObject.Create(Self);

//  The PDF opens without a password.
success := pdf.LoadFile('qa_data/pdf/no_copy_permission.pdf');
if (success = 0) then
  begin
    Memo1.Lines.Add(pdf.LastErrorText);
    Exit;
  end;

//  Extracting text is refused, because the PDF's permissions do not allow copying.
success := pdf.ExtractText('text',json.ControlInterface,jsonOut.ControlInterface);
if (success = 0) then
  begin
    Memo1.Lines.Add('Extraction refused: ' + pdf.LastErrorText);
  end;

//  "assess" reports only counts and ratings, never text, so it is always allowed.
success := pdf.ExtractText('assess',json.ControlInterface,jsonOut.ControlInterface);
if (success = 0) then
  begin
    Memo1.Lines.Add(pdf.LastErrorText);
    Exit;
  end;
Memo1.Lines.Add('rating: ' + jsonOut.StringOf('quality.rating'));

//  Load with the owner password to get owner rights, which include copying.
pdf.OwnerPassword := 'owner-secret';
success := pdf.LoadFile('qa_data/pdf/no_copy_permission.pdf');
if (success = 0) then
  begin
    Memo1.Lines.Add(pdf.LastErrorText);
    Exit;
  end;

success := pdf.ExtractText('text',json.ControlInterface,jsonOut.ControlInterface);
if (success = 0) then
  begin
    Memo1.Lines.Add(pdf.LastErrorText);
    Exit;
  end;
Memo1.Lines.Add(jsonOut.StringOf('text'));

//  Sample output:

//  Extraction refused: ChilkatLog:
//    ExtractText:
//      ...
//        The PDF's permissions do not allow copying or extracting text (load it with the owner password to extract).
//      ...
//  rating: good
//  Visitor Leaflet
//  
//  Welcome to the harbor lighthouse. The tower is open on weekends from July to September.
//  
//  Please keep to the marked paths and do not climb on the breakwater.
//  
//  The lantern room is closed in high winds.